CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Breckinridge Health Inc•Hardinsburg, KY

just now

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the Kentucky Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO provides direct oversight of hospital operations, regulatory compliance, quality and patient safety, and workforce stability. In the Kentucky CAH environment, the COO serves as a highly visible, hands-on leader—ensuring compliance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CAH Conditions of Participation, Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services regulations, and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission or DNV), while balancing limited staffing, financial constraints, and community access needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, or related field (required)
5–7 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience
Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance, hospital operations, and quality improvement
In-depth knowledge of CMS CAH regulations and Kentucky healthcare requirements
Practical, hands-on leadership style
Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Ability to lead with limited resources while maintaining compliance and service access

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MHA, MBA, MSN, or related) preferred
Prior experience in a Kentucky CAH or rural hospital strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee daily operations of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, ancillary, and support services
Ensure efficient patient flow, staffing coverage, and coordination across departments
Provide real-time operational decision-making during staffing shortages, census fluctuations, or emergencies
Implement operational policies and procedures consistent with CAH requirements and Kentucky regulations
Ensure continuous compliance with CMS CAH Conditions of Participation
Maintain compliance with CHFS Office of Inspector General and Office of Health Data & Analytics requirements
Lead operational readiness for state surveys, CMS validation surveys, and accreditation reviews
Coordinate corrective action plans and sustain compliance improvements
Partner with nursing and medical staff leadership on quality improvement, patient safety, and infection prevention
Oversee operational components of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program
Ensure compliance with CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule and Kentucky emergency management requirements
Coordinate drills, hazard vulnerability analyses, and emergency response planning
Collaborate with the CEO and CFO on operational budgets, productivity management, and cost containment
Optimize use of CAH-specific reimbursement structures and operational flexibilities
Oversee operational components of grant-funded programs (e.g., USDA, HRSA, rural health grants)
Support operational planning for capital projects and facility improvements
Foster strong collaboration with medical staff and advanced practice providers
Address operational barriers impacting provider satisfaction and retention
Lead department directors and managers, emphasizing cross-training and workforce flexibility
Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies critical to rural healthcare sustainability
Coordinate operational relationships with EMS, rural health clinics, long-term care facilities, and regional referral hospitals
Represent hospital operations in local, regional, and state-level rural health initiatives as assigned
Maintain an approachable leadership presence with staff, providers, patients, and community partners